By Reba Wilson
Photos courtesy of dreamproperties.com
Ottawa offers amazing waterfront living with incredible views and water access. What’s so interesting about Ottawa is that it is home to many neighbourhoods with different kinds of waterfront, from rural, secluded properties to central urban settings. There is both lakefront and riverfront, not to mention view properties along the renowned Rideau Canal. There are very few cities that have such impressive waterfront properties so close to downtown, as well as so many kinds of waterfront.
Not to be overwhelmed by choice, this article will help you narrow your focus when considering waterfront.
Use
The very first thing to think about when interested in waterfront living is what the motivation is behind this choice: form or function. If you are looking for a peaceful, beautiful view then any kind of waterfront living may be applicable. If, instead, you’re imagining boating from here to Montreal, the Thousand Islands or beyond, river access will be necessary.
The usage consideration is really a lifestyle choice. It’s defining how you will interact with the waterfront, if at all. Many people choose waterfront living simply as a backdrop for a busy life. They enjoy the calm the view provides, but don’t necessarily want to actively engage with the water. Others envision sitting in front of the water with a cool drink, perhaps in a beachfront setting. This brings us to our next consideration: shoreline access.
Access
The approach to the water—both from land and into the water—is important, depending on your desired usage.
Waterfront access is not always easy from a property. Some lots drop precipitously to the waterfront, necessitating access by a golf cart or staircase. Be sure that the access available meets your needs and capabilities.
And more than that, be sure that it meets your desired lifestyle. If you imagine unwinding on an Adirondack chair with a good book at the water’s edge, you might be a perfect candidate for a sandy beach or smaller dock. If you envision speedy Saturday morning boat rides with your kids, a floating dock on the St. Lawrence Seaway or a river might be a better fit.
The choice between a more rustic natural setting and one that is more landscaped involves both personal style and function. For waterfront entertaining on a larger scale you may want to choose a more stylized waterfront, such as one with an entertainment dock with speakers, loungers, outdoor heaters, umbrellas, etc.
The type of shoreline will also be informed by your needs. If you’re a boater, consider the draft of the craft you plan on piloting.
Rivers or Lakes
Your ultimate setting will be influenced as much by what you want to do as what you want to see. It reads a bit like a Dr. Seuss book: “You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Those seeking a cottage alternative might prefer the peacefulness and tranquility of a lakefront setting.
In Ottawa, the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers offer an opportunity for those interested in watersports. The Rideau River encompasses a network of 209 kilometres of waterway from Kingston to Ottawa and it takes approximately five days to traverse it by powerboat. The Ottawa River tends to be a Mecca for those who prefer sailing or day trips.
There are several neighbourhoods that enjoy Rideau River access, including Manotick, Winding Way, Prince of Wales and Revelstoke. Ottawa River access is afforded by the waterfront homes in Dunrobin and Crystal Bay, including those on Grandview and Loch Isle.
Though the type of waterfront access is important, more general personal preferences will also inform your decision. For instance, waterfront homes in Dunrobin and Manotick tend to have larger lots and are more rural, with septic systems and wells servicing the properties. Those who desire privacy and space over easy urban access might be drawn to these properties. In Dunrobin, Sixth Line Road is home to some of the most prestigious waterfront estate properties, with acreage ranging from the tens to the hundreds.
Substantial waterfront homes in Manotick tend to be along River Road or the smaller streets off Manotick Village. Some of these properties are on lots up to two acres (or perhaps a little larger), providing exclusivity and a sense of privacy. Both the street and section of waterfront that you choose will inform the level of privacy you enjoy, from land and boat.
Those seeking a waterfront experience with easier proximity to downtown may find themselves exploring options in Crystal Bay or Revelstoke. Rockcliffe Park offers some of the rarest waterfront properties in the city, with only 13 waterfront properties bordering McKay Lake, a special meromictic lake. Brown’s Inlet in the Glebe offers an urban waterfront position.
And when it comes to lakefront properties, Greely is also home to a number of man-made lakes, around which there are communities of stunning newer homes.
Lakes are an ideal setting for those who want their home to enjoy a cottage-like setting but aren’t interested in boating. Often, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding are permitted in such lakes, but allowable activities are on a case-by-case basis and can be influenced by the conservation authority.
Grandfathered Privileges
Many waterways now only permit floating docks that are to be removed off season, as these are considered to be friendlier to the aquatic biome. Some properties with longer histories have grandfathered features, such as main or outbuildings closer to the water than would now be permitted, and boat slips or docks.
These can be a benefit to those who wish to use a property in a way that would no longer be permitted in newer homes.
Interaction Between the View and the House
It is not to be supposed that properties that are located on the water necessarily have great views. The orientation of the house on the land as well as the layout itself can contribute to its views. The amount and contour of water frontage will also determine the quality of views. Wider homes that have been built on properties with more waterfront feet will typically take in views from more rooms than those that have a narrower setup. The topography of the lot will also determine this. When the house is perched up high, it may benefit from more fulsome views. There may also be tree cover or neighbouring houses that hinder views from certain windows.
An option for those who want a lifestyle property but don’t want to use their waterfront may be a waterview-only property. These tend to be easier to come by than waterfront homes and still benefit from relaxing views.
The beauty of a waterfront property provides year-round enjoyment. The tranquility provided by a water view is magical when snowdrifts create a picturesque white vista, just as much as when the summer sunsets descend over the water.
